Grichuk on pace to return

Randal Grichuk said he is feeling more like himself each day. And it’s showing in the box score.

Grichuk went 2-for-4 with a two run home run as the Buffalo Bisons topped Columbus, 7-3, on Wednesday evening.

Grichuk, who played right field, went on the DL on April 30 with a Grade 1 sprain of his right knee. He last suited up for the Blue Jays on April 29 when he went 2-for-3 against Texas. He was hitting .106 at the time of his injury.

“I’ve been getting better and better everyday,” Grichuk said.

“It took a little bit longer than I would have hoped for, but it feels good now and like I said it’s getting better each day.”

Prior to joining the Bisons on Thursday, Grichuk made rehab stops in Single-A Dunedin and Double-AA New Hampshire. Hitting 3-for-13 in five games.

Though his time on the DL has gone past the initial three week projection Grichuk understands why the Blue Jays are airing on side of caution and not rushing him back.

“They’ve been good about giving me recovery days,” he said. “Since I’ve been starting my rehab assignment they’ve built in some recovery days that are good. They’re staying on top of not working me too hard. Giving me DH days. Getting my timing down. And like I said not rushing me.”

With Thursday being a 10:35 am first pitch Bisons manager Bobby Meacham said Grichuk will serve as DH. Meacham said right now it’s just about giving Grichuk the time to not only recover physically, but also get his timing back in all aspects of the game.

“Our schedule now is to bring him along slow,” Meacham said. “He’s gonna play again (Thursday) DH and after that we’re just gonna play it by ear.”

Jason Leblebijian’s three-run home run highlighted a five run first inning by the Herd.

Taylor Guerrieri scattered four hits over his five innings of work to pick up his first win of the season.